Gyms get the boot as under-40s turn to walking
[14 June 2007]
It’s official – twenty and thirty-somethings are turning their backs on the gym
in favour of keeping fit in the great outdoors. A massive 72 per cent of 20 to
39-year-olds surveyed this month by the Ramblers' Association (RA) would rather
go for a walk than work out in a gym.
The result is backed up by the RA’s growing younger membership – numbers joining
its 20s and 30s groups have increased three-fold in the last five years and are
still growing. Almost 4,000 young people have now joined the RA’s
Hike groups, which are designed
specially for walkers in their 20s and 30s.
There are 52 Hike groups across Britain with more being formed all the time.
Each offers a variety of free, led walks, from easy half-day and evening strolls
to energetic mountain hikes. Many groups also organise weekends away and social
activities such as outings to restaurants and pubs, theatre and cinema trips.
Walking is a great way to meet new friends and an excellent way to keep fit
while enjoying fresh air and scenery instead of staring at a dull gym wall. And
joining a Hike group costs just £24 a year so it’s far cheaper than joining a
gym. Previous studies have shown many people spend hundreds of pounds on annual
gym membership only to give up in the first few months. In contrast, walking is
easy to fit into your daily life and all you need is a pair of comfortable
shoes, warm clothing, and waterproof gear if you’re venturing further into the
hills.
As well as access to great local group walks, Hike members get all the benefits
of RA membership including a free quarterly magazine delivered to the door,
discretionary discounts at outdoor stores (including 10% off at Millets and
Blacks) and a free accommodation guide, walkBritain, packed with discounts on
B&Bs across Britain.
Ruth Wembridge, head of membership, marketing and development at the Ramblers’
Association, said: “As this survey proves, walking is a more popular way of
keeping fit than ever. Rather than sweat it out on a treadmill, young people
would rather escape the stress of daily life by going for a walk. The outdoors
is the nation’s favourite gym and joining a Hike group is a great way to explore
it!”
Notes to Editors
ICM Research interviewed a random
sample of 585 adults aged 20 - 39 by telephone between 6th – 10th June 2007.
Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted
to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and
abides by its rules.